09/11/2026
PRESS RELEASE - Update on Water Supply Issue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: Robert G. Vine, City Manager
Re: Water System Update, Conservation Efforts, and Treatment Plant Repair Progress
Date: September 11, 2026
The City of Mount Pleasant is providing an update on water demand, conservation efforts, and repairs at the I-30 Water Treatment Plant.
As previously reported, damage to one of the plant’s four filters reduced treatment capacity by approximately 3 million gallons per day. The loss has strained the water system during unusually hot, dry weather and high demand.
Current Water System Conditions
During the week of August 31, storage tanks and towers began at full capacity. Despite both treatment plants operating around the clock, high demand reduced reserves to about 40 percent by Friday and lowered water pressure in parts of Mount Pleasant and Titus County.
Staff replenished reserves to about 85 percent at the start of this week, but continued high use has since lowered them to approximately 50 percent. Since the voluntary conservation request, reserve losses have improved from about 60 percent the prior week to about 35 percent. However, demand still exceeds the system’s ability to fully replenish storage each day.
Pilgrim’s Steps Up to Help the Community
The City recognizes Pilgrim’s for reducing its water use by approximately 25 percent following the conservation request. That reduction has helped the system maintain additional reserve capacity this week.
“Pilgrim’s has demonstrated exceptional corporate citizenship,” said City Manager Rob Vine. “These conservation efforts are helping protect water supplies for residents, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and fire protection. We appreciate the company’s partnership and leadership.”
Residents Can Still Make a Difference
Residents can help maintain water pressure and rebuild reserves by limiting outdoor watering and operating irrigation systems only between midnight and 6 a.m. Landscape irrigation has not declined as much as expected.
Every gallon conserved helps restore storage, improve pressure, and reduce the likelihood of stricter conservation measures.
What Happened to the Water Filter?
The I-30 plant has four filters, each capable of producing approximately 3 million gallons of drinking water per day. During a routine cleaning cycle, an automated valve malfunctioned and opened rapidly to 100 percent instead of gradually reaching about 30 percent.
The resulting surge damaged the blocks supporting the filter media and caused the loss of much of the sand and coal used in the filtration process.
Repairs are expected to take several months because replacement materials are custom manufactured and not readily available. Some components are produced overseas and have lead times approaching six months.
The City had already scheduled a comprehensive rehabilitation of the filtration system because of its age. The failure accelerated work previously identified as necessary for long-term reliability.
Moving Forward
City staff continue to monitor water pressure, storage, production, and demand daily and will provide updates as conditions change.
Water quality has not been affected and remains safe. The challenge is the system’s ability to replenish storage quickly enough to meet high demand while treatment capacity is reduced.
The City appreciates the community’s patience, cooperation, and continued conservation as it works to maintain reliable water service throughout Mount Pleasant and Titus County.
